Disappointing that the result was decided by an official. But we should never have been in that position after leading by 6 goals before half time. A terrible Third quarter was the problem. It just shows you what desire for the footy and a willingness to run can do. Full credit to Rowville they will have many more good days this year. We have lots of work to do now and that will start with Balwyn next Saturday. Don’t think we will under estimate their ability. On the positive side. We got through with out any senior injuries and players such as Ryan Mullett, Tom Schneider and Ben Crowe will be better for another game under their belts. We also had hard earned wins in the Reserves & Under 19’s.
SENIOR MATCH REPORT by David Watson
A goal after the siren from Rowville full forward Cody Morris has handed Vermont a shock six point defeat on the opening round of the 2013 Eastern Football League First Division season at Scoresby. In a match that was dubbed a “David versus Goliath” affair the Eagles were simply outplayed in the second half after holding what looked a comfortable and manageable 29 point lead at half time.
With no less than five player making their Vermont debut in Justin Van Unen, Tom Schnieder, Paul Chadwick, David Barton and Ben Crowe coupled with two returning multiple Premiership heroes in Ash Froud and Kris Bardon the Eagles were shaky in the opening stanza making numerous skill errors.
Five minutes into the First Quarter some of the cob webs were loosened when Daniel Mendes slotted home the opening goal after taking a strong mark. Three more goals quickly followed in the next six minutes through Van Unen, Froud and Daniel Mendes for his second to quickly blow the lead out to over 20 points. Playing a key factor in the forward thrusts was wingman Shane Davidson who was winning plenty of the ball.
To the credit of the First Division newcomers, Rowville started to look more at ease after a nervous start but were continually repelled by Dean Millhouse who was a rock of Gibraltar in defence. The Hawks finally got a major on the scoreboard at the 26 minute mark of the quarter when a poor defensive lapse allowed Troy Allen to kick truly.
Qtr Time:
Rowville 1-3 -(9) Vermont 4-1-(25)
The second quarter had both teams playing nervous end to end football at times. Despite winning plenty of possession in the clearances the Hawks were finding Millhouse continuing to be stoic in defence while Grant McCarthy was doing a fine blanketing job on Morris.
Rowville kicked their second goal seven minutes into the quarter through Mason Crozier but this was quickly cancelled out one minute later when Andrew Ellis kicked truly after some fine lead up work from Davidson.
Within a ten minute spell the Eagles again kicked away with three unanswered goals. Nick Johnson collecting two goals with Davidson rewarded for his tireless efforts kicking a fine running goal.
The Hawks managed to stop the bleeding with goals to Morris and Michael Bussey but when Ben Crowe banged home a goal 23 minutes into the quarter the Eagles went into the half time break 29 points to the good.
Half Time
Rowville 4-5-(29) Vermont 9-4-(58)
Within 12 seconds of the restart an opportunist snap from Ash Froud saw the Eagles extend the lead to 35 points.
What looked like possibly the opening of the flood gates was nothing more than an aberration as the Hawks started to dominate the clearances and their running game raised a significant notch as Vermont came to a standstill and looked perplexed just how to stop the ensuing onslaught.
Six unanswered goals (Matthew Stanley 2, Nathan Hicks 2, Bussey 1 and Gavin Pears 1) saw a 35 point lead turn into a two point deficit as the three quarter time siren sounded.
Three Qtr Time
Rowville 10-9-(69) Vermont 10-7-(67)
In what was to prove a see sawing final quarter the Eagles regained the lead at the eight minute mark by the slenderest of margins when Andrew Ellis kicked a long range goal that he managed to bounce through.
From there on in it would prove to be that goals were indeed as rare as hen’s teeth as both defences stood up under considerable pressure. Ben Crowe typified the desperation needed making some crucial interceptions and some superb smothers having switched to the back line.
With only seconds to go with the scores level and the ball out of bounds in the Rowville forward line, the Umpire plucks a free during the boundary throw in and after the siren the Rowville full forward gets to kick a winning goal 21 years in the making.
Their previous and sole sojourn into Division One in 1982 saw the Hawks go through the season winless.
Final Score
Rowville 11-14-(80) def Vermont 11-8-(74)
Vermont Goals:
A.Froud, D.Mendes, N.Johnson, A.Ellis 2, J.Van Unen, S.Davidson, B.Crowe 1.
Vermont Best:
S.Davidson, D.Millhouse, D.Mendes, B.Crowe, G.McCarthy.
Next Saturday the Eagles host Balwyn in the 2012 Grand Final replay at Terrara Road.
THE RESERVES CONTINUE WINNING WAY FROM 2012
Score Vermont 13-8 to Rowville 8-8
With a vastly different side from the Grand Final ( 11 different names) the opposition were much tougher than expected and the margin at three quarter time was just 4 points. Many players were not showing any great intensity and the Coach was far from happy at each of the breaks. Up forward he had one winner for much of the day with Adrian Gileno who got with 5 goals showing his great skills. Matt Greig look dangerous at times, but the players up field did not really put the footy in his area too often. He got 2 and gave one away. Looked to be running freely and kicked well.
Many of the boys up from the Under 19’s did an excellent job, particularly Bryce Fisher, Paul White and young Jesse Gannon. The only injury on day was Scotty Cameron who twisted an ankle early and that finished his day.
The final quarter saw a number of the boys back from the Seniors really show their class, Kyle Emley was magnificent in his run and attack on the footy and Xavier Barry-Murphy was not far behind. Travis Bird in the ruck was good all day. Special mention to the new Captain James Shambrook who’s desire for the footy repelled many attacks, he was terrific. BEST : Kyle Emley, Travis Bird, Xavier Barry-Murphy, James Shambrook, Adrian Gileno and Jesse Gannon GOALS: Gelino 5, Sonsie 2, Barry-Murphy 2, Greg 2, Strachan 1, Smith 1,
THE UNDER 19’s HANG ON IN DESPERATE FINAL TERM
Vermont 9-8 dft Rowville 9-4
Coach John Harley had a torrid introduction to the Under 19 competition with a very tough and close match. He saw Rowville pull away in the first term for a 20 point to nothing lead at quarter time. His boys fired back in the second to lead by 2 points at the main break. The wind was obviously a factor and you had to use it well when you had your chance. Rowville gained an 8pt margin at three quarter time and now it was up to our lads to bring it home with the better end. It was not quite that easy and either side could have grabbed it in the final few minutes. Vermont did and Vermont won. A lot of credit to Rory Lehman who has the stickiest hands about as he kept pulling down marks down all day in defence. Rowville have had talented juniors for many years, so this win was very impressive.
BEST PLAYERS. Rory Lehman, Jake Lacriardi, Tyson Hyamms, Matt Barnard, Brook Kainey and Luke Molyneux.
GOALS:- Molyneux 2, Vassis 2, McLusky 1, Galante 1, Langmaid 1, Danaher 1
Last Modified on 15/04/2013 21:43